Julie Gris, I think your looking for DM post might be getting so many paid DM replies because of the level of commitment and how specific the requirements are. You want someone to run you critical role, [at least that is how it reads] which is fine, but might be hard to get that level of buy-in from some random on the Internet.
Then you misread. I am asking for: (1) A plot that makes backstory relevant. That doesn't mean 'write a plot based on my character'. It means, 'add my character to the plot'. (2) A roleplay-heavy approach. That means I want to have a conversation with NPCs and PCs. Slow pace. Building relationships. Becoming friends. (3) Some creative license regarding content. As in allowing a feat or a spell from Unearthed Arcana in character-creation.
You can fit all that into Dragon Heist. I just want to talk to Volo, not just have pre-written lines from the module book thrown at me on a loop.
I would say that the idea that money kills creativity usually comes from people who have enough money already to be free enough to be creative. A better phrase would be if money becomes the goal that will kill creativity.
That's what "money is the death of creativity" means.
I think things are getting mixed on the thread. From my point of view, being a DM, I could never see myself asking for mony to my friends or other games with people I know. But that's not the point, because I don't believe the paid DM are asking their friends to pay for his time.
DMing for your friends is not the scenario of paid DM. The DMs that get paid are DMing for people they don't know. And this is just an option that is out there, not the rule. If you're totally against to paid DM: just don't join their games.
Paid DM is a valid option that helps players to find a group with dedication to keep playing. The fee acts as a filter for players, reducing the chances to have people trolling, not assisting or not really interested, this is good for both the DM and the players. It's also a easy and quick option, finding a group for D&D when you don't know anybody interested is hard.
On the "money is the death of creativity" I totally disagree. Money kills it if it's the only goal, but there are millions of creative talents out there creating cool stuff: movies, comics, music, etc. Labeling all of the ones that got paid (basically, all the ones we consume) as non-creative is go a bit too far.
With the move (especially in covid times) of moving to a more online aspect I can see the rationale for DM's charging.
Some possibly just to cover costs for subscription based VTT services etc. especially if hosting pickups rather than specific friends.
Others may feel they are offering a processional service (they may be using professional artists for better quality maps etc.) and that is their choice - as a player to decide if you want to pay for it.
In a home setting with a group of friends most home rules I have played in were the DM ate and drank free as players would bring the snacks so covered the additional costs they bore (extra books, maps, miniatures for monsters etc.)
When I was a kid and we didn't have much money if we wanted an expansion we would all chip in a few £'s to buy it collectively
It is not something I am doing or considering short term as I am fortunate to be in a position where these costs aren't prohibitive but for some they need to charge to cover these costs
As with most things - do what is right for you and your party
I think the tide has turned in favor of charging for games. The perceived value has become an issue. I think many people who take pride in their work feel resentful supplying a superior product perceived as inferior simply because they "give it away." Free denotes without value and there are a lot of people willing to pay for a good experience. My time is the most valuable thing I have and I'd gladly pay $5 an hour for a good experience than gamble on a three-hour torture session like my last "free" game. Surprisingly the best DM I've had only charges $5 a session or $20 a month. It covers his Patreon subs and hosting costs and I'm glad to pay it. He doesn't get paid to run games but at least he isn't paying to run them...
A lot depend on the type of group. A group of friends would not expect to pay the one who is dm though they might share the cost of source books and master tier subscription if they are using dndbeyond
For strangers playing in a game shop or on the internet a lot of it is supply and demand. If a DM advertises a FTP campaign on here or roll20 or somewhere they are likely to get 40 or 50 applications, especially if they are experienced. This means that most of those applications will be declined, it is rare to be told you did not get selected which leaves you wondering when to apply for another..
In my experience while the only bad dm I have had did not charge there has been little difference in quality between paid and free DMs. Players in paid campaigns are less likely to skip sessions but more likely to drop out for good. I see the main benefit of paying is to be able to get into a game without applying (and usually thinking of a character concept that would fit the campaign as well) a dozen times without success.
I think the tide has turned in favor of charging for games. The perceived value has become an issue. I think many people who take pride in their work feel resentful supplying a superior product perceived as inferior simply because they "give it away." Free denotes without value and there are a lot of people willing to pay for a good experience. My time is the most valuable thing I have and I'd gladly pay $5 an hour for a good experience than gamble on a three-hour torture session like my last "free" game. Surprisingly the best DM I've had only charges $5 a session or $20 a month. It covers his Patreon subs and hosting costs and I'm glad to pay it. He doesn't get paid to run games but at least he isn't paying to run them...
You must be playing a Necromancer with a steam shovel because you just raised this thread from the dead, buried, and forgotten grave.
Try 4 hours of prepping for 1 hours of game play (very conservative estimate for me). It takes me numerous hours preparing for a game - that can last several minutes to 5 hours (players decisions - players story).
The good news is, if you're a paid DM you can just re-run several games over and over. But that couldn't work for me, too much creative juice to stop creating games, each game takes weeks, if not, months to produce.
A Dm does take time, effort, and a lot of the times money buying the books and sharing, and that's just online stuff. If it's for friends, no need to pay, maybe buy back a meal here and there, but ive met some good people and some 'interesting' people on the internet that need the reliability or someone to have the knowledge of the rules. I've met a lot of players that did not like the idea of paying for games until they met a handful of bad dm's that ruin the system for them. I've met some myself. So, I understand players willing to pay for the assurance of having a good time and the safety of it.
Then you misread. I am asking for:
(1) A plot that makes backstory relevant. That doesn't mean 'write a plot based on my character'. It means, 'add my character to the plot'.
(2) A roleplay-heavy approach. That means I want to have a conversation with NPCs and PCs. Slow pace. Building relationships. Becoming friends.
(3) Some creative license regarding content. As in allowing a feat or a spell from Unearthed Arcana in character-creation.
You can fit all that into Dragon Heist. I just want to talk to Volo, not just have pre-written lines from the module book thrown at me on a loop.
That's what "money is the death of creativity" means.
JADE OF HIGHGARDEN
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
I think things are getting mixed on the thread. From my point of view, being a DM, I could never see myself asking for mony to my friends or other games with people I know. But that's not the point, because I don't believe the paid DM are asking their friends to pay for his time.
DMing for your friends is not the scenario of paid DM. The DMs that get paid are DMing for people they don't know. And this is just an option that is out there, not the rule. If you're totally against to paid DM: just don't join their games.
Paid DM is a valid option that helps players to find a group with dedication to keep playing. The fee acts as a filter for players, reducing the chances to have people trolling, not assisting or not really interested, this is good for both the DM and the players. It's also a easy and quick option, finding a group for D&D when you don't know anybody interested is hard.
On the "money is the death of creativity" I totally disagree. Money kills it if it's the only goal, but there are millions of creative talents out there creating cool stuff: movies, comics, music, etc. Labeling all of the ones that got paid (basically, all the ones we consume) as non-creative is go a bit too far.
When it comes to online play, how do you usually consider pricing? Is 20 dollars still the average kind of cost?
DM'ing is a labour of love. No DM should ever ask for pay. Besides, crushing the spirit of players is all the payment a good DM ever needs.
Ask yourself what you'd be willing to pay? In general I'd figure "$10 sessions should be paperback book level entertainment, $20 should be hardback'.
With the move (especially in covid times) of moving to a more online aspect I can see the rationale for DM's charging.
Some possibly just to cover costs for subscription based VTT services etc. especially if hosting pickups rather than specific friends.
Others may feel they are offering a processional service (they may be using professional artists for better quality maps etc.) and that is their choice - as a player to decide if you want to pay for it.
In a home setting with a group of friends most home rules I have played in were the DM ate and drank free as players would bring the snacks so covered the additional costs they bore (extra books, maps, miniatures for monsters etc.)
When I was a kid and we didn't have much money if we wanted an expansion we would all chip in a few £'s to buy it collectively
It is not something I am doing or considering short term as I am fortunate to be in a position where these costs aren't prohibitive but for some they need to charge to cover these costs
As with most things - do what is right for you and your party
---
Jay
I think the tide has turned in favor of charging for games. The perceived value has become an issue. I think many people who take pride in their work feel resentful supplying a superior product perceived as inferior simply because they "give it away." Free denotes without value and there are a lot of people willing to pay for a good experience. My time is the most valuable thing I have and I'd gladly pay $5 an hour for a good experience than gamble on a three-hour torture session like my last "free" game. Surprisingly the best DM I've had only charges $5 a session or $20 a month. It covers his Patreon subs and hosting costs and I'm glad to pay it. He doesn't get paid to run games but at least he isn't paying to run them...
A lot depend on the type of group. A group of friends would not expect to pay the one who is dm though they might share the cost of source books and master tier subscription if they are using dndbeyond
For strangers playing in a game shop or on the internet a lot of it is supply and demand. If a DM advertises a FTP campaign on here or roll20 or somewhere they are likely to get 40 or 50 applications, especially if they are experienced. This means that most of those applications will be declined, it is rare to be told you did not get selected which leaves you wondering when to apply for another..
In my experience while the only bad dm I have had did not charge there has been little difference in quality between paid and free DMs. Players in paid campaigns are less likely to skip sessions but more likely to drop out for good. I see the main benefit of paying is to be able to get into a game without applying (and usually thinking of a character concept that would fit the campaign as well) a dozen times without success.
You must be playing a Necromancer with a steam shovel because you just raised this thread from the dead, buried, and forgotten grave.
Try 4 hours of prepping for 1 hours of game play (very conservative estimate for me). It takes me numerous hours preparing for a game - that can last several minutes to 5 hours (players decisions - players story).
The good news is, if you're a paid DM you can just re-run several games over and over. But that couldn't work for me, too much creative juice to stop creating games, each game takes weeks, if not, months to produce.
A Dm does take time, effort, and a lot of the times money buying the books and sharing, and that's just online stuff. If it's for friends, no need to pay, maybe buy back a meal here and there, but ive met some good people and some 'interesting' people on the internet that need the reliability or someone to have the knowledge of the rules. I've met a lot of players that did not like the idea of paying for games until they met a handful of bad dm's that ruin the system for them. I've met some myself. So, I understand players willing to pay for the assurance of having a good time and the safety of it.
I think DM's could, and should get some sort of compensation if they are doing it for a group and that is the expectation.
Even if someone loves to DM it still takes time, money and resources to do the DMing. There will always be more players than DM;s.
Also if you want to get good at something charge someone for it. They will let you know how well you are doing.